The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-04-02
A MONEY TRANSACTION.
A Judicial Combination Of Love
and Business.

td1Sl Du5lu055s
ga lady" exclaimed Mr.. Lazarus, in
stinctively glancing at his plump, over
dressed person in the mirror opposite.
eyes, sir; an elderly lady. Won't give
her name, sir" replied his clerk.
"What kind of ladyl" inquired Mr.. Laza-
rus, lowering his sa:sa,
ga tip-topper. Left re. carriage at the
end of the street," said the clerk in an orac
ular tone.
Every we'll. Show the lady in" said Mr..
Lazarus, seating himself in his armchair,
and settling his cravat.
He took up pen as his clerk left the room
and bent overan unfinished letter which lay
upon the desk. Lifting his eyes stealthily,
without turning his head, he presently saw
in the mirror the reflection of fashionably
dressed gray-haired lady, whose dignified
{bearing and calm self-possession caused
him to assume deferential tone and man.
ner
pardon me, my lady" he exclaimed,
rising ut tho sound of the closing of the
door, and bowling profoundly. "Pray take
chair"
''Do you know who ans" inquired his
visitor, scrutinizing him calmly through q
pair of gold pince-nez glasses with an
amused smile upon her lips.
~ can't say do, ma'am," said Mr.. Laza-
rus, somewhat embarrassed. "My clerk
said you would not give your name."
''Oh! 1t was a guess, thcn," said the old
lady, subsiding into the clients chair, with
out removing her glasses, which she con-
tinued to hold poised in her well-gloved
hand. 'You are Mr.. Lazarus, tho money
lender, supposei'
cat your service, my lady," said Mr..
Lazarus, with u mental reservation that his
proper description was financial agent; but
not venturing to insist upon the fact.
'Iam the Lady Gertrude Alwyn."
''The wife Of General Alwynl" said Mr..
lazarus, with bow.
And the mother Of Captain Spencer AL
wyn," added Lady Gertrude, meaningly.
20, indeed" said Mr. Lazarus, bowling
again.
He coughed nervously behind his hand,
however, for he was rather startled at
learning who his visitor was. Captain
Spencer Alwyn was client regarding
whom he was meditating the most extreme
measures. The prospect Of an interview
with his clients mother was by no means
agreeable to Mr. Lazarus, especially as the
old lady's manner inspired him with mis-
givings, Being perfectly we'll acquainted
with the circumstances OF Captain Alwyn's
parents, ne knew that they were not tht
least likely to discharge their sons debt
If he had realized this o twelvemonth ago
he could have spared himself n good deal Of
anxiety. But the discovery Of General AL
wyn's chronic impecuniosity had come TOT
late.
II was delighted, Mr.. Lazarus, to heal
that my son was in your hands," said Lady
Gertrude, graciously.
sit was very polite of your Ladyship Il
say So" replied Mr. Lazarus, shortly, un
der the impression that the implied com
pliment was the prelude to an appeal fol
mercy.
~ don't mean any thing personal" sait
Lady Gertrude, with light laugh, which
made Mr.. Lazarus turn red, "though have
no doubt you are most respectable-monel
lender"
eBusiness is business, of course; but
always treat gentlemen as such," said Mr.
Lazarus, falling back on one of his can
phrases in his confusion and perplexity.
s'No doubt; but what meant was that
was so delighted that my son was in pecu
MARY difficulties," said Lady Gertrude
1>Nstill smiling.
II don't quite understand your Lady
ship" gasped Mr.. Lazarus, open-mouthed
sKnowing as you do, Mr.. Lazarus, tina
my poor husband and have been obliged
all our lives, to exercise the most rigit
economy to keep up our position in societ.
.'I'm sure. your Ladysliip -" proteste,
Mr.. Lazarus, rather eagerly.
"We.l. whether you know it or not, it il
unhappily the fact" said Lady Gertrude
calmly.
81 wasn't aware OF it," said Mr.. Lazarus
unblushingly.
II was saying" continued Lady Ger
trude, serenely Indifferent to the money
lenders protestations, "that rs have hat
such bitter experience Of pecuniary worries
it may sound unnatural in me to oxpres
satisfaction at my sons present difficulties.
81 don't know how he is going to get on
of 'enl, and that's q fact, your Ladyship,'
said Mr.. Lazarus, darkly.
'sAhl we'll, that brings mo to the objec
of my visit" observed Lady Gertrude, lean
,ng back in her chair: SHOW much doe
my son owe youl"
~ really don't think that l am justifie
-" began Mr.. Lazarus.
ssIIow much2" interrupted Lady Gel
trude, impatiently.
Mr.. Lazarus abruptly named the figure
at which Lady Gertrude raised her eye
brows, and was silent for few moments
uhb ihtCiSoes VI S'utocs oil
remarked. presently, again surveying MI
Lazarus through her glasses.
"Moderate interest,"" acquiesced Nj
Lazarus, rather shamefacedly,
~ suppose it is all right. Anyhow, thu
is o matter between you and my son. Nov
Mr.. Lazarus" continued Lady Gertrude
assuming confidential tone, show do yo
expect to get paidi"
'That is your son's affair, my Lady," sal
Mr.. Lazarus, briskly. ''He will have [
find the money somehow, for, OF course,
can't afford to lose it,"
"Of course not" added Lady Gertrude
quirc sympathetically,
"Your Ladyship is very good" said NJ
Lazarus, agreeably surprised, 'No doub
to avoid unplcasantness, the general"
"You may put my husband out OF I'll
question, interposed Lady Gertrude In o d
cisive tone. "Nith the best intentions,
can do nothing, nor can l."
"Has your Ladyship any thing to sugges
then:n inquired Mr.. Lazarus, sulkily.
'Yes, Mr.. Lazarus, have" said Lad
Gertrude, looking him In the face. II wal
put you in the way Of getting yol
money, and of doing my husband and me
service at the same time.n
ar. Lazarus was too much taken aback